Talented journalist Lyra McKee shot dead in Derry on Thursday, April 18
The 29-year-old journalist was murdered on Thursday, April 18 in Creggan.
A masked dissident republican gunman opened fire on police carrying out searches in the area.
Author Lyra, who was observing rioting in Creggan, was struck by a bullet to the head.
She was rushed by police to Altnagelvin hospital where she died from her injuries.
Lyra’s Walk will leave Belfast on Friday, May 25 and will arrive at Guildhall Square on Sunday, May 27.
Planning for the walk is at its infancy but
Whilst planning for the event is in its initial stages, hundreds of people and a cross section of of groups have pledged to take part in the walk.
And towns and villages up and down the route have already pledged to open up their homes to provide shelter to walkers over the course of the 72 hour event.
Launching ‘Lyra’s Walk’, the organisers pinpointed the reasons why they believed the event needs to take place.
The group have said in a statement: “We are a group of ordinary people profoundly touched by the murder of Lyra McKee.We say ‘not in our name’.
“We walk for peace and to reclaim, to defend and to reassert the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.
“We demand that Lyra’s death be the last.
“Lyra’s death has caused revulsion and anger but it has also reminded us of how desperately fragile our peace process remains.”
The packed congregation at St Anne’s in Belfast last month for the celebration of life of murdered journalist Lyra McKee
Those looking to take part in Lyra’s Walk later this month can register for free at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/lyras-walk-tickets-60703941122
Organisers would really like to hear from youth and community groups across the North of Ireland.
And they are also wanting help from people with particular skills, donations and services they feel might help.
“To date we haven’t had any funds towards this and we’ve been managing on members of the group forking out for this and that.
“We’re asking our supporters to please give what they can to support the walk.
“Funds raised will contribute to running costs of the event and will pay for things such as first aid equipment, event insurance, campsite facilities, transport, printing costs, fuel and so forth.
“Any surplus will go to Suicide Prevention and mental health awareness charity “Mindskills”.
“You can donate via this link.
https://www.gofundme.com/lyra039s-walk
Anyone with any questions or queries can be made by emailing [email protected] or on Facebook or Twitter by searching for Lyras Walk.
Tags: